Ashes 2023: I’ll Be Amazed If England Don’t Play Just That Little Bit Cautiously - Michael Vaughan Expects Hosts To Squeeze A Bit For Lord's Test

Former English cricketer Michael Vaughan expects England to play cautiously in the second Test of the Ashes 2023 at Lord’s following a narrow defeat in the Edgbaston. He said that he loves their Bazball approach but will be surprised if they won’t squeeze in the next match.

England’s Bazball approach was the talking point of the first Ashes Test. The Ben Stokes-led side continued their aggressive approach and entertained many. They even put Australia under pressure and were on top of the game for the majority.

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But after bossing the game for the majority of the time, England couldn’t win as the class of the Australian side was too much. With the specialist batters in the hut, the hosts were red-hot favourites to win but skipper Pat Cummins along with Nathan Lyon took the responsibility and took his side past the finishing line.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: I Just Feel Lucky To Have Him Here – Pat Cummins Says It Was Special Feeling For Him To Win The Match In Front Of His Father

The focus now shifts towards the third game that will be played from 28th June at the home of cricket at Lord’s in London. The big question remains that even after the loss will England continue to play with the same Bazball approach? Skipper Ben Stokes was quite bold and said that they will continue playing the same.

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However, Michael Vaughan feels that not only England but Australia too will slightly change their approach. He highlighted that even after putting the opposition on the back foot, the Ben Stokes-led side didn’t nail them down. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he said:

“I think both teams will change slightly at Lord’s. I think the Aussies won’t go as expansive in the first innings and spread the field. They’ll squeeze a bit more. I’ll be amazed if England don’t play just that little bit (cautiously).

Bazball, I love. I love the energy and what it’s brought. It’s now about winning and being that little bit smarter. When you’ve got an Australian team on the back foot, you’ve got to drive it down and nail them down even more. England just didn’t do that.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: Former Australian Cricketer Merv Hughes Takes Down A Fan Who Accused Him Of Abusing His Brother At Edgbaston

Ashes 2023: “I have seen him do it many times,” Michael Vaughan on Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins was the star performer for Australia both with the bat as well as ball. In the second innings, he bowled a resounding spell and took a four-wicket haul that helped Australia bundle out England for just 273 runs in their second innings, setting themselves a target of 280 runs to chase.

With the bat then when Australia needed someone to take them home and it was skipper Pat Cummins who stood tall. He (44*) along with Nathan Lyon (16*) took charge and won the game. The duo stitched 50 plus partnership and helped their side take a lead of 1-0.

Michael Vaughan said that he has seen Pat Cummins doing that many times. He highlighted how he shifted gears when he smashed 14 runs against Joe Root. He explained:

“I have seen him do it many times. His 4-fer in the second innings is what gave Australia the chance to win the Test match. (He) bowled beautifully on a placid wicket, leading from the front in the first Test match away from home in an Ashes series.

“To get his team over the line, that’s very special. Those two sixes from Pat Cummins – I was on the balcony, thinking they are going to go for a draw. He blocked the first two balls of Joe Root. All of a sudden, into the stands, something’s changed.” He concluded.

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